Nori-Crusted Sirloin with Shiitake and Wasabi

Josh DeChellis is used to diners' initial skepticism when it comes to what he calls his more "out of control" ingredient combinations. Even the F&W Test Kitchen wondered if nori and wasabi could possibly go with the beef here. They do, and brilliantly. What's more, the recipe's healthy; ounce for ounce, sirloin has less saturated fat than chicken thigh with skin.

Ingredients

Three 8-inch-square sheets of nori (dried seaweed), torn into small pieces

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce

1 tablespoon mirin

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons wasabi powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a small saucepan of boiling water, blanch the scallions for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set a rack on a baking sheet and arrange the shiitake caps on the rack, gill sides down. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Season the steak with salt. In a food processor, coarsely grind the nori with the sesame seeds, red pepper and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Spread the nori mixture on a plate and dredge the steak in it.

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until shimmering. Add the steak and cook over moderately high heat until the nori is toasted, about 4 minutes per side. Place the steak over the mushrooms and roast for about 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the meat registers 130° for medium rare. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, halve the scallions lengthwise and quarter the mushroom caps. In a small bowl, whisk the tamari with the mirin, lemon juice and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.

Slice the steak 1/4 inch thick and arrange it on plates with the shiitake mushrooms and scallions and a small mound of wasabi. Drizzle the tamari sauce over the steak and serve.